Trustee candidate Bagwell criticizes Lubrano’s picks

Madison, Wis. (April 6,2012) – A Board of Trustees candidate today criticized Anthony Lubrano’s decision to endorse a corporate executive and a candidate who lacks a clear plan for reform.

In an e-mail sent to candidates yesterday, Lubrano urged a supporter to vote against two other alumni who aren’t part of his officially endorsed slate.

“His choices are deeply concerning,” said Ryan Bagwell, a former newspaper reporter and board candidate. “We have to elect people with a proven commitment to providing access to records and pursuing ethics reform.”

Lubrano, who owns a $400 million financial consulting firm, was endorsed by the alumni advocacy group Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship in February. That group also backed Mark Connolly, a corporate executive with Dupont Inc., and Barbara Doran, a Wall Street investment manager.

In their official position statements, none of the candidates proposed any plans for reform. And in a video released earlier this week, they were silent on how to transform Penn State into a transparent and ethical institution.

Lubrano’s own picks include William Oldsley, another longtime corporate executive.

“If Anthony Lubrano won’t support his own slate, why should anyone vote for them?” Bagwell said. Why does he think they’re not qualified to lead Penn State?”

“This is a serious election that could determine the future of Penn State for generations to come,” Bagwell said. “Slickly produced campaign videos can’t be substituted for a real plan to restore trust in the university. We must reject these irresponsible campaigns and elect real leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle the issues that matter the most.”

Bagwell, 33, is the only candidate who wants trustees to file annual financial disclosures and adopt Pennsylvania’s open records law as a Penn State policy. He’s also urging board members to pass the Joyner Rule, which would prohibit trustees from being rewarded with lucrative university jobs until they leave the board for at least a year.

“The difference between me and my opponents is crystal clear,” Bagwell said. “We must elect candidates with fresh ideas and new perspectives, and reject the status quo.”

For more information, contact:

Ryan Bagwell
campaign@ryanbagwell.com
www.bagwellforpennstate.com
608-466-6195